E 209 
Copy ^ 



SOME 



JEFFERSON CORRESPONDENCE 



1775-1787 




SOME 



JEFFERSON CORRESPONDENCE 



1775-1787 



Edited by 
WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD 



/OO CO h UU) 

[Reprinted from New-Eng. Historical and Genealogical Register, 1901-1902.] 



BOSTON 
PRESS OF DAVID CLAPP & SON 

19 02 



p. 

Author. 

iPeaon). 

30 '02 



SOME JEFFERSON CORRESPO]srDE:N^CE. 



Hopkinson to Jefferson. 

Philadelphia, 12*^ March, 1784. 
* * * Very curious phenomena have appeared in our political 
hemisphere. A certain party who have been for these three years past 
disappointed in their manoeuvres, that very party who were the most 
zealous and obdurate enemies to all Toryism, have with admirable dexterity 
taken the most decided and unshaken tories by the hand. A coalition 
most sudden and most extraordinary has taken place. You may now see 
those very men who hang'd Roberts and Carlisle hand and glove with the 
friends of Roberts and Carlisle. You may see friend McKean, Friend 
Royan, fr'^'. Sergeant fr''. Hutchinson, &c. &c. in gentle imion and pleasing 
converse with fr'^ Pleasants, fr''. Warder, fr''. Emlen, &c. &c. &c. The 
first attempt of this quinto was the establishment of a Bank, with a view 
of rivalling and weakening the effects of the national Bank. But this 
scheme will not succeed, as the House of Assembly seem not disposed 
to countenance it by a charter. The second effort was a petition to the 
House to repeal the test law, and admit all persons to the right of electing 
or beuig elected, be their political creed what it may. This had well-nigh 
succeeded, but was finally postponed by the casting vote of the Speaker. It 
was remarkable that not one of the persons who were to be benefited by 
this repeal signed any of the petitions. This would have implied ac- 
knowledgment of the present government ; but they had address enough to 
draw in some good whigs and a great many half whigs to sign and counte- 
nance these petitions. Had it succeeded, we should have seen every move- 
ment of our government tending to the restoration of every prejudice in 
favor of British politics. We should have seen the most partial acts passed 
in favor of British commerce, and a most disrespectful neglect of foreigners. 
This State would in the course of a year or two been justly branded with 
Ingratitude. * * * y^ Hopkinson. 

('urrie to Jefferson. 

Richmond, 5 August, 1785 
* * * Joseph Mayo of Paston died on his passage from London 
to Boston, has enriched some of his relations by his legacies, and has as- 
tonished some of our acquaintances by his will giving liberty to all his 
slaves, their number from 150 to 170. I believe the rejaort has caused 2 
or 3 combats between slaves and their owners, now struggling for the lib- 
erty to which they conceive themselves entitled. The legislature's atten- 
tion, I imagine will be taken up with it next session. 



We have had a meeting of the Episcopal clergy and laymen from every 
county to modify their mode of worship, &c. &c. They have monopolized 
all the former glebes and their appendages. The other sectarists complain 
heavily of the preference given them here, wrote severe things against 
them in the publick papers and intend a petition next Assembly to abro- 
gate the law of the last in their favor, and all the consequences it invoked. 
How it will end I don't know but there is to be a Convention in Philadel- 
phia soon upon this business. Our delegates, both laymen and clergy, I 
have forgot. Jno. Page Rosesell is one I believe. E. R. Att^. G^ was no 
blank in their meetings here. I believe he has studied the true Gospel for 
both this and the world of spirits. 

The James River Company, of whicli I have the honor to be one, are to 
meet here the 2"'' [?] current to hicorporate themselves, as more than one 
half the money necessary for the purpose is subscribed, which entitles us 
to meet and elect our President, &c. &c. The Potomack members are be- 
forehand with us however I hope will do something now (if ever). The 
State lias 100 shares. Gen*. W., 100, D Ross 50. I took 10. 200 dollars is a 
share and every share till 10 has a vote. When above 10 every five shares 
have only one vote. The Capitol ground is now marked out here, and as- 
tonishing to me, indeed, is the place fixed upon for it. Economy has made 
the directors an Alan, E. Randolph, Wm. Hay, Jay Ambler, Rob'. Goode, 
James Buchanan, Richard Adams, and Turner Southall [ ] the publick 
buildings all under one roof. They have marked out the ground, which is 
now digging ; the first bricks to be laid on Wednesday next, with (?) a 
medal, &c. &c. Horrors. They have brought it to the point of the hill 
above my house with a deep ra' ine or gully on each side by the time the 
portico and steps &c. &c. are finished it leaves no room for a street, unless 
it is to seri)entine along the bottom beginning below my house and going 
up by the spring, called the Governor's. By receding 100 feet backward, 
they would have had a spacious field on each side, with room for Capital 
Yard and spacious avenues on every hand for pleasure or use. I wish you 
had been here and one of the directors ; it has appeared to the gentlemen 
in a different light than to every other person without exception that has 
viewed the ground. In the 1 00 feet there is a rise of between 7 and 8 feet, 
and a great many bricks and other expences to the publick would have 
been saved. As they have consulted you about the plan of the building, I 
wish to god, you would offer your advice as to its site, if you please. It 
may not come too late. * * * James Cdrrie. 

Ourrie to Jefferson. 

Richmond, 17 October, 1785. 
* * * The Congress rarely reaches our ears ; the General 
Court is now sitting here, & the gentlemen of the law increase very fast at 
its bar. John Mercer, Esq , this is his second court there, I expect Mon- 
roe and Hardy soon, &c. &c. The votaries are numerous, but I believe 3 
or 4 of them receive and have appetites suthcient to devour all the loaves 
and fishes. I can't help thinking we have too much litigation and law suits 
here, to become a flourishing people. Till some change in that and many other 
respects, takes place we are fast verging to individual and universal bank- 
ruptcy. As a commercial people, our exports bear no proportion to our 
imports. Our taxes are heavy, our extravagance unequalled in so young a 
country : e.g. at Fredericksburg t'other day, 40 new (and elegant) char- 



lots appeared ou the turf, iu addition to what served them last year, on 
the same or similar occasion. Every thing is iu proportion. We astonish 
strano-ers and all our own natives who have been absent some time and just 
returned from Europe. Some intelligence communicated by you in a letter 
to our Executive, regarding Sir R. Herries' contract with the Farmers 
Gen'l of France, made its appearance in tlie public papers, t'other day, with 
what degree of policy, delicacy or prudence I leave you to judge. The 
General Assembly have met to day, not enough to make a House. The 
late Governor Harrison was nonelect in Charles City last election of Dele- 
gates there, but went over to Surry, where he found means to be elected. 
It is expected his election will be canvassed, and disputed by M''. Tyler 
(the present Speaker of the House) as illegal. Each have their partizans, 
and are candidates for the chair, and have already had a good deal of bick- 
ering-, which has impressed me with the idea emolument is as much their 
object as patriotism or the honor of the place. Perhaps I am mistaken. 
McCluro- is a Councillor. He is indolent as a physician often in at the 
death on account of his being so often called when the last offices of hu- 
manity are only wanting to close the scene. His talents are great, and in 
that line have met with too little patronage from his countrymen hitherto. 
I hope the scales will fall from their eyes, before old age unfits him for 
business for his familys sake, I sincerely wish it [?] Your friend Mr. 
Madison has been spoken of by some for the chair of the House of Delegates. 
We have had a very dry summer ; short crops both of corn and tobacco, 
wheat tolerably good, no demand hardly for this last ; tobacco fallen and 
falling ; 1 guinea here to-day, at Petersburg 26/ p"". c*. The corn is not 
more "than sufficient for our own consumption. Heavy taxes, extravagance 
and dissipation, direful prospect. The Assembly speaks of striking paper 
money. Whether sound policy directs the measure (if it takes place) or 
sympathy for peculiar situations and circumstances directs the measure, I 
know not nor pretend to say ; but one thing is certain, it will certainly 
conti-^ue the delusion we are under in regard to our own finances, and pro- 
crastinate the period when we ought, and from dire necessity must^ live in 
every respect more conformable to our situation as an infant republic. 

Have you seen or read Lord Slieffield's pamphlet upon the commerce of 
Great B : and America, before during and since the war ; theii- connexion 
and relation to one another as commercial countries, and with others in 
Europe? He seems to have been well informed upon the subjects of 
which he writes, and accounts to me very plainly what are the efficient 
causes of Sir R. Herries' tobacco contract with the F. G^. of France &c. &c ; 
and as we manage matters here, has it more in Ms power perhaps to f ullfil 
it than any man we can oppose him with a candidate or a competitor with 
him, on equal terms, in that business. * * * James Currie. 

P. S. Since wa-iting the within, I recollect, the publication in our paper 
was extracted from that of Maryland, and did not originate here ; therefore 
it is not a child of ours. (I mean the communication of Sir R Herries 
tob°. contract,), and was further informed yesterday at Petersburg, that 
Mess'^ Morris and Alexander have obtained it, and Sir R. W. proposals 
were not accepted. 



Humphreys to Jeff'erson. 

Hartford, o*^ June 1786. 
Dear Sir, 

By means of a merchant vessel that sails from this place to 
r Orient, I have the pleasure to inform you of my safe arrival after an 
agreeable passage of 32 days ; altho' I cannot give so high commendations 
on the accomodations of the French packet as I could have done on a 
former occasion. The fineness of the weather and the hilarity of the pas- 
sengers, however, atoned for some circumstances not perfectly satisfactory. 

As I have been but one week in New York, and another in this town, I 
cannot undertake to give with precision a state of the politics of this coun- 
try ; but if I may rely in some measure on the opinions of almost every 
person with whom I have conversed, our federal concerns are not in a very 
promising situation. For notwithstanding the States of Rhode Island and 
New York have at length come into' the 5 per cent, impost, yet, I am in- 
formed the restrictions are such as make it doubtful whether their offers 
can be accepted. This and several other States have at their late session 
emitted paper money. Pennsylvania has prohibited the collection of the 
impost until the supplementary requisitions shall have been adopted by all 
the States. This I fear will not be done by the Legislature of Connecticut, 
who are now sitting. In the mean [time] there is not a single farthing in 
the public treasury, the civil list is uupaid, and the few troops to the west- 
ward in danger of disbanding for want of money and supplies. Desertions 
have been so frequent that a Major Wyllys of this State has lately ordered 
some prompt executions, for which he is in arrest by order of Congress. 
Hutchins and the surveyors are, however, just setting out for the Western 
country. Congress accepted last week the cession of Connecticut. 

The refusal of the British to deliver up the frontier posts is not generally 
known, but so far as I have heard it spoken of, it seems to excite a spirit 
of indignation. Some hostilities have lately been committed by the sav- 
ages. The public mind is in anxious expectation respecting the piratical 
powers. Lamb's conduct in obtaining his appointment is considered as 
very extraordinary : his character is perhaps much lower here than we 
could have conceived. 

Congress have not yet done anything on foreign affairs. An attempt 
was made last week to appoint a minister to the Hague. Mr. Izard had 
six States, but no choice could be made. Congress will continue together 
through the summer. 

1 believe the country is much altered in many respects since we left it. 
Gov. Clinton is said to have become an anti federalist. He was not in New 
York when I was there. Certain it is, the issue of a paper currency in 
that State depended upon him. Many people appear to be uneasy and to 
prognosticate revolutions, they hardly know how or why. A scarcity of 
money is universally complained of ; but to judge by the face of the coun- 
ti'y ; by the appearance of ease and plenty which are to be seen every- 
where, one would believe a great portion of the poverty and evils com- 
plained of, must be imaginary. * * * D Humphreys. 

P. S. Monroe is married to a Miss Courtwright, King to Miss Alsop, 
and Osgood to Mrs. Franklin, a Quaker widow. 



Gurrio. to Jefferson. 

Richmond, 9 July 1786. 

* * * Mr Henry is still governor ; his and all the other otficers 
of government salaries were curtailed under the auspices of Thos. Under- 
wood of Goochland, and other reformers. Harrison got the chair last ses- 
sion, after a violent struggle ahout residence and non-residence last elec- 
tion the Surry men have left him out, and the high sheriff of C[harles] 
City died before the time of election, and Otway Byrd, his successor, being 
out of the way at the time to enter upon his new office there was no elec- 
tion, and of course the Assembly must meet before the writs can be issued, 
which will prevent Colo H. having the chair, should he be sent a delegate. 
At least, I suppose so, though I know very little of those matters. Tyler, 
of C. City, is made one of the judges of the Admiralty, in jjiace of Benja- 
min Waller, deceased. * * * Madison is re-elected for his county 
after considerable opposition ; at the instance of Genl Washington I have 
been told, old Geo. Mason comes in, and several new members from whom 
considerable things are expected in our critical situation. The two Nicho- 
las's, George and Jack, represent Albemarle next session ; Fry was in the 
last, now left out, as is likewise Col. E. Carter, and Wilson Nicholas did 
not offer wishing to pay attention to his wife and the culture of tobacco &c. 
&c. — of a domestic nature. I have some reason to think Mr. Henry will 
not continue to act another year as governor. However, this is only sur- 
mise. The Canal from W. Ham. goes on apace, and they have marked 
out 3 different traces for its coming after passing Belvidere into a bason, 
which List will probably be marked out in the ground bounded by the 
lower end of my stable lot, eastward and to the W. by the hill terminating 
the flat round lots near the river on this side. * * * 

James Cukuie. 

Hopkinson to Jefferson. 

Philadelphia, 2u April, 1787 

* * * What is called the constitution party in this State are 
uppermost and playing the mischief. They have published a bill for con- 
sideration which will probably pass next session to demolish the Bank. 
The ostensible reason is that it is incompatible with a free government, but 
the real reason is that Mr. Morris and the directors of the bank are not of 
the present ruling party. They have also passed a most iniquitous ex 
post facto law to favour Mr. Holker in his demands against Mr. Morris. 
It would be too long a detail to give you a competent idea of this matter. 
Mr. Marbois has formed a kind of coalition with Mr. Holker, and Mr. 
Morris and he are at odds. This together with the affair of Longchamps, 
which Mr. Marbois has pursued with great inveteracy, have rendered Mr. 
Marbois very unpopular in this city. The affair of Longchamps yet re- 
mains in suspence before Congress. * * * Fras. Hopkinson 

Cary to Jefferson. 

Ampthill, 3P*. October, 1775. 
Dear Sir, 

I had the plaesure of yours of the 17**^. instant last night by 
post ; am much obliged to you for it. As well as yourself I am much at a 
loss why Gage «&:c. should be sent for,* and cannot judge whether it 

* See Jefferson to Eppes, 10 October, 1775 (Ford, i, 485.) 



an^urs good or evil ; but my fears are that uo good can happen to America 
from any orders of those in power on tlie other side of the Atlantick. I 
think very much depends on the success of the expedition against Quebeck, 
for should the munition of war in that garrison fall into our hands, I really 
think we shall be able to defeat all the troops they can send against us. 

This week past, hostilities commenced in this colony, by an attack 
from the navy on Hampton. Our young treasurer aided by Cap*. Lyn be- 
haved like heroes of old. But the papers will give you the affair at large. 

I have been honoured with the command of the battalion in this district ; 
it is not yet compleat ; the three companies in Chesterfield are full, only 
one in Amelia and one in Cumberland compleat, but I learn all are nigh 
full. I received orders yesterday to send down two companies from this 
county. They shall march on Thursday. I fear but few battalions of 
minute men will be raised. The reasons assigned are the improper ap- 
pointment of officers. In some districts I think it is really so, but fear in 
others it proceeds from another cause. However, I hope this brush at 
Hampton will spur the people up a little, and the honourable manner in 
which our young officers and men are spoken of will give a little more fire 
to such as wanted it. 

I returned from the Western Waters on Saturday seven night, but am 
sorry to tell you I was sent for two days after to my brother in law, John 
Randolph, and found him on his death bed. Last Sunday we paid him our 
last office. He got cold by riding in the night to see Thos. M. Randolph 
who was expected to die, and a very narrow chance he had. Thank God, 
he is now well but very weak ; my chariot went up yesterday to assist in 
bringing his family down to-day, 

I have not heard of your family since I came down, for I have been but 
two days at Home, and when abroad, confined by my friends bedside. As 
to news, the papers will give you all I know, except a very disagreeable 
one in this neighborhood. A dispute arose at dinner at Chatsworth, be- 
tween Peyton Randolph and his brother Lewis Burwell, who gave the 
other the lye, on which Payton struck him. Burwell snatched a knife and 
struck him in the side, but fortunately a rib prevented its proving mortal. 
He was prevented by the ladys from making a second stroke. You'll 
judge what poor Mrs. Randolpli must suffer on this unhappy affair, but 
she is become familiar with misfortune. Peyton is well and no notice is 
taken of the affair as I can see by either. They dined at my house the 
day after I got home. If the speaker* and his lady have not been ac- 
quainted with this matter, say nothing of it to them. * * * 

Aechibald Cary. 

Page to Jefferson. 

Williamsburg, the 25"\ 1775 
* * * "pjjg affair of Princess Ann mentioned in your joint letter 
to our Committee, w". I took the liberty of assuring you was altogether a 
fiction, but which I told you had since been almost verified, was I have 
since found when it really happened, almost as disgraceful and cowardly 
as the prophetic fiction represented. Two hundred of the militia of P. 
Ann. were as judiciously disposed of in ambush as could be, and the minis- 
terial tools fell into it very compleatly, but were so faintly attacked that 
although the advanced guai'ds were thrown into confusion they with little 
or no loss gained a compleat victory. Not a tenth part of the militia fired. 

* Peyton Randolph, Sr., then President of the Continental Congress. 



9 

They fled in a most dastardly mannei-. Col. Hutchings who served in the 
ranks as a common soldier and several others stood bravely, but being 
shamefully deserted were taken prisoners. 

Our late Governor,* as we now call him, was so elated with this victory, 
that he erected the standard, published the proclamation you will see in 
our papers, which he had before printed with the press he had taken from 
Norfolk and marched about making prisoners of a number of people, and 
adniiiiistering an oath of his own framing, by which the Congress conven- 
tions and committees are utterly disclaimed, and all obedience and submis- 
sion, 1 suppose, promised to acts of Parliament. In short he has made a 
compleat [ ] of Princess Ann and Norfolk, and numbers of negros and 
cowardly scoundrels flock to his standard. But we hope soon to put a stop 
ti) his career and recover all we have lost ; for Col. Woodford, after innu- 
merable delays for want of arms, &c. &c. is by this time very near him 
with his regiment and 250 minute men of the Culpeper battalion, and a 
number of volunteers. Last Monday night Col. Woodford received an ex- 
press from Suffolk desiring assistance ; but I need not mention this as you 
will see it related in Purdie's paper. I must also refer you to Purdie's for 
the news respecting the men of war and tenders. We are so used to hear 
cannon now that we think nothing of it, and I can assure you that 50 men 
kept the King Fisher and 3 tenders at a distance at Jas Town where they 
might have come within 250 yards of them. I think if we had but pow- 
der enough, some good cannon, and a few privateers we might do very 
well. We have 3 18 pounders, some 12s 9s and 4s., but we have not pow- 
der even to prove them, and I know not who will venture to import more 
since Gatrick and his sous are prisoners. For God's sake endeavor to 
procure us arms and ammimition, and if our king is so determined a tyrant 
as not to listen to your petition, crave assistance from any and every power 
that can afford it. Our committee had adjoui'ned before the news of Ld. 
D s. success reached Williamsburg, which may be an unlucky circum- 
stance, xi Woodford should be defeated, or should there be an insurrection 
of the negros, since Col. Henry is not empowered to call in any assistance 
but such as the neighboring minute and militia companies may afford, 
which is at present in fact none at all. I have long wished to see a suffi- 
cient number of men drawn out to crush him and his whole party at once. 
I think myself, it would have been an easy matter some time ago to have 
destroyed the ships, tenders, and his soldiers, but they are now so much on 
their guard and are so much reinforced that he is become not only very 
secure but formidable. You will see by the proclamation that he has only 
sjjoken out and avowed what he has hitherto concealed. I hojie the con- 
vention will publish a counter proclamation, raise at least another regi- 
ment, and instead of minute men, unless they can be put on a better foot- 
ing, have the militia compleatly armed as well trained as the time they can 
spare will admit of, and make draughts from it when men are wanted. 

* * * John Page. 

Nicholas to Jefferson. 

Virginia, 10"'. November, 1775. 

Dear Sir, 

I was favoured with your letter the other day by Mrs. Randolph. 
We had before her arrival heard of the death of our worthy friend. The 
great load of business I have ha-d on hand ever since the Convention 

* Lord Dunmore. 



10 

obliged me to confine my correspondence to him, knowing that he would 
communicate my letters to the rest of the Associates. The infamous prac- 
tice of opening all letters passing through the government post office made 
it prudent to write with a confined pen, contenting myself with hints and 
allusions, instead of aiming at perspicuity. I had wrote to the late Speaker 
before he left Virginia desii-iug that he would take the earliest opportunity of 
procuring paper for the small notes, viz*. 50000 a 2/6 and 50 M a 2/3, as our 
ordinance directs. The design of the Convention was that the paper with 
proper plates should be sent, that the money might be struck here, which 
gentlemen supposed would give us an additional security against counter- 
feits. By his letter to me I understood that the business was in great foi- 
wardness, and I am in dail}^ expectation of receiving the bills, which are 
much wanted for small change. This was not all ; we hoped from Mr. 
Tobb's account that there would have been paper enough of the James 
River Bank kind to make the full emission ; but he was exceedingly mis- 
taken. When I came to examine it I found it short at least £200.000, 
allowing many of the bills to be longer than I would chuse or than will be 
convenient. I am by the ordinance restricted to the use of certain kinds 
of paper, so that no other can be issued without the sanction of a future 
Convention. Under this difficulty I consulted wdth our Committee of 
Safety, who thought with me that it would be most desirable to endeavour 
to procure a sufficient quantity of proper paper, &c. at Philadeljjhia, as 
this country will not furnish it. This was in part the subject of my last 
letter to the Speaker. I did not confine him to particular denominations, 
as I wished him to consult with the best judges and supposed he would, 
being on the spot, be best able to fix the matter with them in the most 
proper manner. I desired that a proportion of the bills might be small 
and now see a greater necessity for this than when I wrote. Large bills 
will be of no use to the soldiers. To have a great number of small ones 
will make the paper come deai-er, but this will be nothing compared to the 
advantage of having the money made most convenient to the holders. I 
have thought of the following denominations, viz^ 100.000 a 10/, 100.000 
a 5/, 20.000 at £5, and 25.000 a £25. The sooner this paper can be had 
the better, as it will be speedily wanted. Indeed, if our disturbances con- 
tinue over the year I do not know what further quantity may be necessary. 
Perhaps it might be better to engage more, but I have no authority to do 
it. Excuse me for distinguishing, but I must again tell you that the paper 
for the 100.000 small bills is immediately wanted ; the rest as soon as pos- 
sible. One great difficulty I labor under is to procure proper money to de- 
fray expences in other Provinces. It is to be wished that Congress could 
do something to give our paper a general currency ; this I should think 
might be done by establishing an exchange for the continental money, a 
considerable part of which I understand, is issued upon our credit, and 
surely this must be equally good for our own. Besides it is expected, and 
I think with the greatest reason, that a just proportion of the expences in- 
curred for the necessary defence of this country will be made a continental 
charge. I presume that many merchants of Philadelphia must have money 
matters to transact here ; it would be most convenient to us if money could 
be had there by drafts upon me to be paid in Virginia currency ; I mean 
paper, as specie is grown so scarce that I can't undertake payment in that. 
If the paper desired for emitting our money cannot be had on other terms, 
I will give my bills for it ; tho' this I w'ld wish to avoid, if possible. 

You must have seen in the papers an account of the different occurrences 



11 

here since your departure. I could say more, were it not for fear of in- 
quisitive peepers. Our people are like to be much distressed for want of 
salt. This is an article so necessary to life that I think it may be fairly 
submitted whether it would not be adviseable to give the same encourage- 
ment for its importation as was done for another certain article.* Yon 
may have wondered that the lists of Tithables &c., have not been for- 
warded to our delegates, and perhaps may be more surprised when I tell 
you of a general disinclination in people to furnish their lists. I have not 
received them from more than three districts in the whole colony. It's a 
pity that the business of the Congress would not permit our delegates to re- 
turn home, as I am persuaded they are much wanted in their several coun- 
ties. We are all impatience to hear from Canada. God grant us success 
and a happy issue to yonr deliberations. R. C. Nicholas. 

Nelson to Jefferson. 

Philadelphia, February 4, 1776. 

Dear Jefferson : 

I had written to you soon after the repulse of our troops at 
Quebec, giving you, as I thought, a true state of that unfortunate aft'air ; 
but upon comparing it (altho' I had my information from a person who pre- 
tended to know a good deal of the matter) with one that I saw afterwards, 
I found that they differed so materially that I burnt my letter and deter- 
mined to leave you to the newspapers for your intelligence. 

We have late advices from England which you will see in the enclosed 
papers. I had rather send you a dozen Ledgers and Evening Posts than 
transcribe three paragraphs out of them. But I have good news for you 
which neither of these papers contains. A vessel arrived two nights ago 
with 60 tons of saltpetex-, 13 tons of gunpowder, and 2000 stands of arms, 
and we are in daily expectation of 25 tons more of gunpowder. 

Troops are marching every day from hence to support the remains of 
our army before Quebec, the Eastern governments are raising men for the 
same purpose. One battalion has already marched from Connecticut, so that 
we are still in hopes of reducing the garrison before it can be relieved in 
the spring. 

General Washington has sent Major General Lee [to] New York, at the 
head of 1200 volunteers from Connecticut to defend that province against 
a detachment sent from Boston, which the General was informed by a de- 
serter was certainl}^ intended for that place. The deserter, I fancy, was 
mistaken, sufficient time having elapsed since they sailed for then* arriving 
there, and we have no account of them. The Committee of safety of New 
York, however, sent a remonstrance to Lee setting forth the extreme dan- 
ger the city would be in from the men of war, should he enter it, and es- 
pecially as they were apprehensive he intended to make an attack upon the 
ships. Lee sent the remonstrance to Congress and wrote the President 
that he thought it his duty to carry his orders into execution, which he was 
preparing to do with the first division, the rest of the troops being ready 
to support him. The letter and remonstrance being read, a violent debate 
arose, on one side as to the propriety of an armed force from one province 
entering another without permission of the civil power of the province, or 
without express orders of Congress. It was alledged that this was setting 

* Gunpowder. 



12 

up the military above the civil. On the other side, was urged the absolute 
necessity of securing that province, the loss of which would cut off all com- 
munication between the northern and southern colonies and which if effected 
would ruin America. The debate ended in the appointment of a committee 
of Congress to confer with Lee and the Committee of Safety. Harrison, 
Lynch and Allen were the committee and they set out the next day upon 
their ambassy, but what the result has been, we are not informed, not having 
heard from them since they went. 

You would be surprised to see with how much dispatch we have done 
business since Dyer and Gaddesden left us. The former you know was 
superseded and the latter was ordered home to take command of his regi- 
ment. * * * Thos. Nelson, Jr. 

Page to Jefferson. 

Williamsburg, April y® 6*^ 1776. 
Dear Jefferson, 

I wish you would use your interest in the behalf of Dr. McClurg. 
He offers his service as physician to the ContiBental forces in Virginia. 
Such a person is much wanted. Col. Grayson, who behaved admirably well 
at Hampton, and who has taken great pains to improve himself in the mili- 
tary science, intends to offer his service to the Congress. He is highly de- 
serving of encouragement. Do introduce him and recommend him to your 
friends. He will make a figure at the head of a regiment. He displayed 
spirit and conduct at Hampton. For God's sake declare the Colonies in- 
dependent at once and save us from ruin. John Page. 

Page to Jefferson. 

Williamsburg, April 26, 1776. 
My Dear Jefferson, 

I have snatched a few moments to scribble you a few loose 
thoughts on our present critical situation. I think our countrymen have 
exhibited an uncommon degree of virtue, not only in submitting to all the 
hard restrictions and exposing themselves to all the dangers which are the 
consequence of the disputes they are involved in with Great Britain, but in 
behaving so peaceably and honestly as they have when they were free 
from the restraint of laws ; but how long this may be the case who can tell ? 
When to their want of salt there shall be added a want of clothes and 
blankets, and when to this there may be added the terrors of a desolating 
war raging unchecked for want of arms and ammunition, who can say what 
the people might not do in such a situation, and tempted with the prospect 
of peace, security and a trade equal to theu' wishes ? Might they not be in- 
duced to give up the authors of their misfortunes, their leaders, who had 
led them into such a scrape, and be willing to sacrifice them to a reconcilia- 
tion ? I think therefore it behooves the Congress and conventions to pre- 
vent this as much as possible. Every method that can be devised for the 
manufacturing of salt, saltpeter, sulphur, gunpowder, arms, woolens, and 
linens, should be immediately adopted ; and because those articles cannot 
in several Colonies be made quick enough for their demand some sure means 
of importing them should be instantly fallen upon, and as no means can be so 
certain and can so fully answer our purpose, as forming a commercial alliance 
with France, no time should be lost in doing so ; and to prevent disorders 



13 

in each colony a constitution should be formed as nearly resembling the old 
one as circumstances, and the merit of that constitution will admit of. And 
it is undoubtedly high time that a plan of a confederation should be drawn 
and indeed compleatly executed. These things should be done without 
losing a moment. 

Would you believe it, we have not yet erected one Powder Mill at the 
public expense, and that the only one which has received any encourage- 
ment from the public has made but about 700 lbs. ; and that I have not been 
able to procure the least assistance from the Committee for Bucktrout's 
hand mill, except their selling him about 400 lbs of saltpeter of the shops, 
half dirt and common salt for which they demand 3s. per lb. Although 
his mill is an elegant machine and 2 men can work it with ease, beating 
with 6 pestles weighing 60 lbs each in mortars containing 20 lbs. of paste, 
and he has actually beat 120 lbs. of powder in them, and grained 40 lbs. 
which has been used in proving cannon &c., and which was found to be 
strong and good under every disadvantage of want of sieves and being made 
with bad sulphur and niter ; and he has been at great pains in erecting his 
mill and apparatus for it, and for a saltpeter work with it, yet the Commit- 
tee of Safety refused any motion to allow him 30 or 40 pounds as a reward 
for his pviblick spirit and ingenuity, and to enable him to go on with his 
plan. They insist on it that the premium of 6s. per lb. is sufficient encour- 
agement for making gunpowder, and are deaf to my argument that works of 
this sort cannot be erected and set agoing without a good stock of money, 
and that premiums will do very well and keep up any art once introduced, 
but are by no means sufficient to introduce it into ready and general use. 
This powder mill is so simple that if t'were once cleverly at work it would 
please every one who saw it, and would lead numbers of ingenious people 
to erect such in different parts of the country. There might be one in every 
county, which in my opinion might work up the saltpeter which ought to 
be made in each county, and in this manner powder enough might be made 
for all America. And could you believe it the saltpeter works are but little 
attended to. Some money it is true has been advanced to different people, 
but 1 know of no grand work at the public expense. Sulphur mines have 
been discovered, but not a pound extracted, nor do I know of any order 
about them, and salt is little thought of. Tate was refused any more money 
and referred to the convention. A valuable sulphur mine has been discov- 
ered in Spotsylvania by a man who sold it to one Daniels of Middlesex, 
who is an ingenious smith and has extracted some from its ore which he 
says is exceedingly rich — ^ of it sulphur. * * * Our friend Innes re- 
signed very handsomely in favor of Capt. Arundel, for which General Lee 
has recommended him to the Congress to be Major in the 9th regiment. 
You know his spirit, abilities and deserts, I mean his active opposition to 

Ld. D , and his bold attack on him, Foy, Corbin, Byrd, and AVormeley 

in the papers, for which he lost his place at college. But was it not a little 
extraordinary that you should appoint a Capt. to the artillery, when 
we had actually appointed one who had raised his company and was 
training it; or did you (as I suppose) intend that there should be 2 com- 
panies of artillery ; for I observe your resolve was that General Lee should 
direot one to be raised for the Southern department. I wish you would 
appoint Dr. McClurg physician to the army in Virginia, and superintendent 
of the public hospital ; and Pope, chief surgeon. Our soldiers would have 
many more chances for life and limbs than they now have. 

John Page. 



14 

Fleming to Jefferson. 

Williamsburg, 15th June, 1776, 
Dear Sir: 

I thank you for your favor by the j^ost, and beg you will be so 
obliging as to repeat it, whenever you have leisure. The news from Can- 
ada, which I fear is too true, is very discouraging, tho' I am not without 
hope that things will take a favorable turn in that quarter. A letter I 
have seen from General Washington seems to cherish it. Military oper- 
ations in the southern department seem for the present near at a stand. 
We have great reason to apijrehend an immediate war with the overhill 
Cherokees, Creeks, and other southern tribes of Indians, and have ordered 

6 companies of rangers, under the command of Lieutenant CoP. W. Rus- 
sell, to be stationed on the southwestern frontier to protect the inhabitants 
from their inroads. Mr Walker is returned, having concluded a treaty 
with the lower Cherokees, &c, the particulars of which have not yet trans- 
pired. Will not the disaster of the Cedars, probably, bring some of the 
northern tribes of Indians on us ? We have not yet been able to learn 
anything of Clinton's destination, since he left Cape Fear, tho' a report 
prevailed here a few days ago, that he was arrived at Sandy Hook. Yes- 
terday was finished the appointment of officers to the 6 troops of horse, to 
be raised for the defence of this colony. The captains are Dr. Bland, Ben 
Temple, John Jameson of Culpeper, Lewellen Jones of Amelia, Harry 
Lee, J^", and John Nelson of York. On a ballot for a cornet to the fifth 
troop, the numbers stood as follows: for John Watts, 37 ; for Richard Lee, 
Esq''. 19 ; for Henry Clements, 19 ; for Cole Digges, 16 ; forB" Whiting, 

7 »&c. The previous question was then put whether the question should 
be put between Mr Watts and the squire or Mr Clements, when it was de- 
termined in favor of the latter, of wdiich opinion I was myself, principally 
because the squire expressed his desire to relinquish the office, and cannot 
well be spared from the chair of the Committee of Claims. 

The progress of the business in Convention is, according to custom, but 
slow. The declaration of rights, which is to serve as the basis of a new 
government, you will see in the newspapers, the form or constitution of 
which is still in embryo, but from the conversation I have heard on the sub- 
ject among gentlemen who have turned theii* thoughts that way, the legis- 
lature will probably consist of three branches, a governour, a council, and a 
house of representatives; all of whom are to be annually elected. The 
executive power to be lodged with the governour, who is to have the assist- 
ance of a council of state district from the Legislative council. The judges 
to hold their offices during good behaviour. 

An express is just arrived from Hampton who says a ship is gone up 
James River, but what she is, or from whence, nobody knows. 

Wm. Fleming, 

P, S. The palace, by a resolution of convention, was this day appropri- 
ated to the purpose of a public hospital ; and commissioners are appointed 
to make sale of Dunmore's slaves and personal estate. 



15 



Fleming to Jefferson^ 

Williamsburg, 22^ June, 1776, 
3 o'clock, P. M. 

Dear Sir: 

I being inform'd that the post is to set out in an hour, have just 
left the committee appointed to prepare a form of government to give you 
a summary of their proceedings. The inclosed printed plan was drawn by 
CoP. G. Mason, and by him laid before the committee. They proceeded to 
examine it clause by clause, and have made such alterations as you will ob- 
serve by examining the printed copy and the manuscript together, tho' I 
am fearful you will not readily understand them, having made my notes in 
a hurry at the table, as the alterations were made. I left the Committee 
debating on some amendment proposed to the last clause, which they have 
probably finished, as the bell for the meeting of the House is now ringing. 
This business has already taken up about a fortnight's time — I mean in 
Committee, 

As some of your friends have, no doubt, given you a history of our late 
Election of delegates to serve in Congress, and of the spirit (evil spirit I 
had almost said) and general proceedings of our convention, I shall, for the 
present, forbear any adimadversions thereon : indeed, were I ever so much 
inclined to it, the time would not allow me. * * * 

Wm. Fleming. 



John Page to Jefferson. 

Williamsburg, July the G*^^, 1776. 
My Dear Jefferson. 

When I wrote last week to CoP. Nelson I promised to write 
to both of you, by this post, a circumstantial account of the state of things 
here. But the whole week has slipt away in the Hurry of business, with- 
out my being able to spare a single minute for that purpose, and I am now 
as much in want of time as ever, the Post being about to set out in a few 
hours, in which Time I am to wait on our new Governor to administer to 
him the oaths, to be qualified by him to act in my new department, and to 
despatch some public business of importance, so what can I do ? Why, you 
will say, make no more long winded complaints of want of Time, but be- 
gin at once to tell us what has happened with you, and make a better use 
of the little time you have to spare. I must refer you to the Papers for 
what has been done in Convention. I believe 1 mentioned in my last the 
manner in which the Barrens took the transport with 217 Scotch Highland- 
ers on board. Did Capt" Biddle get in safe with his other prize ? Every 
one here looks upon the wonderful manner in which the great number of 
Highlanders have fallen into our hands as truly ]n-ovidential. Our batter- 
ies at George's Island are not yet finished, but I hope in a few days to 
hear that they are. We have sent down 2, 18 pounders, 4, 9 Ibers, 3, 6 lbs. 
and 2 field pieces; and 2, 12's and another 9 pounder are ordered do\\Ti, 
which 1 think will be sufficient to drive the fieet from their station, silence 
the batteries and break up the enemies camp. If they do not receive a 
reinforcement before our batteries are opened, I think we may easily drive 



16 

them out of the island ; but it is doubted by some people whether it is worth 
while to run any risk to do this, since they will easily get possession of 
some other island, or perhaps some place of more consequence. Col. 
Stephen is fortifying Portsmouth, but we are in great want of cannon to 
mount on the works necessary to command the whole harbor of Norfolk. 
Our cruizers and galleys have taken up all the good cannon we had, except 
one at Jamestown and those at George's Island. We want 6 or 8, 24's or 
18's for our fort at Jamestown, as many more for a floating battery to be 
anchored opposite the fort ; the like number for every other river, and 3 or 
4 more for the works at Burwell's Ferry. I have mislaid your letter in 
which you desired me to buy some of Johnson's or Gwatkin's books. Lord 
Dunmore's insti-uraents, &c. were all sold before I saw your letter to Mr. 
Wyth. Washington's behaviour has eclipsed Cicero. His conduct was 
really like himself, truly great. * * * John Page. 



Page to Jefferson. 

Williamsburg, July y^ lo*"^, 1776. 

My Dear Jefferson, 

I have just time to enclose to you a copy of General Lee's let- 
ter written the day after the cannonade of Fort Sullivan. It came to hand 
two days after his other, tho' written 4 days before it. This was a glorious 
affair. Lord Dunmore has had a most complete drubbing. The fleet left 
7 fine cables and anchors worth at least £12.00, three of their tenders 
completely furnished fell into our hands. If we had had only 2 more 18 
pounders and powder and ball in plenty, we might have taken or utterly 
destroyed the Dunmore, and all their tenders. The Fowey did not attempt 
to ai^sist the Dunmore, the other prepared once to fire, but received a shot 
between wind and water, on which she went off on a careen. I hope every 
one here, especially of our late Committee, will remember how often I in- 
sisted on erecting batteries and attacking this fleet. If I could have been 
listened to, I could have agreed to be hanged if I would not have saved Nor- 
folk and destroyed the fleet before it. 4 18's and as many 9 pounders 
would have done their business. Our governor is still so sick that he can- 
not attend to business. I am presiding member, and am so pestered with 
letters and to answering them that I have not time to add but a few words 
more. The Carolinians have sent the clothes, which G. Lee wanted for 
their people ; they have also sent a good stock of gunpowder, and we are 
sending what can be spared from heie to North Carolina to replace what 
they have sent. For God's sake set on foot an expedition against Detroit. 

John Page. 



Page to Jefferson. 

July the 20"', 1776. 
* * * Before this can reach you, you will have heard of the glo- 
rious news from South Carolina. Dunmore's fleet was at the mouth of the 
Potomac when I heard last from it. It had been at anchor 16 hours with 
a fair wind up the river and bay, so that it is evident they did not 



17 

know where to go to. There is no danger of their returning to the island 
unless they get a ver}- considerable reinl'oi-cement, and even then we may 
give them a severe check and retreat to the main. They cannot enter 
Noi'folk harbor without receiving great damage, for we have batteries 
mounting 4, 24 and 5, 18 pouuders besides a number of smaller cannon. 
If half these guns had been mounted in October, as I advised, Norfolk 
would not have been burnt. 2, 18 pounders at Gwynn's Island almost beat 
the Dunmore to pieces and drove oft" the whole fleet. Denny and Chas. 
Harrison behaved admii-ably well on that occasion, so well, that no one 
seems to regret the loss of Arundel, who lost his life by the bursting of a 
wooden mortar which was foolishly constructed and he obstinately persisted 
in his resolution to fire, though dissuaded by every one who saw it. I must 
refer you to the papers of this week for the particulars of the late cannon- 
ade. They were written by officers and may be depended upon. "VVe have 
taken a little tender since their flight, which was cruizing off the Eastern 
shore, in quest of provisions. Little Jemmy Parke was taken in her. She 
carried 12 swivels and 18 men. We have a fine brig mounting 12, 4 
pounders under the command of Capt. Jas. Cocke, a brave and experienced 
officer, now cruising in the bay, and a row-galley carrying 2, 18 pounders is 
gone down Ja^ River, but I do not like the galley. She is clumsy, and I 
think cannot carry the 2 heavy guns to any advantage. We expect Cilly 
will cruise next week. If we had got our whole fleet ready before the at- 
tack at Gwynn's Island, we might have taken every ship the enemy had 
except the Roebuck. If they do not get a reinforcement in 6 weeks we 
shall give a good account of them yet. If General Washington and Howe 
can but hear of the affair at Sullivan's Island before they engage, it will go 
a great way towards deciding the dispute. It is impossible it should not 
animate our men to the highest degree and dispirit the enemy. Can not 
you stop Burgoyne's career ? I hope you have taken care of the Lakes. 
Fort Pitt you know is a post of the last importance to Virginia and Penn- 
sylvania The Indians have murdered a man within 3 miles of it ; it is an 
extensive work, much out of repair, very weakly garrisoned, by only 100 
men and is within 4 or 5 days' march of Niagara where our enemies have 
men enough with savages to spare a detachment which might come in 24 
hours 100 miles of theii* way, and might take the fort before it could be 
reinforced. This state of things I had from a very sensible officer who 
came down last week as an express. The Shawnees have sent in 4 hos- 
tages to Fort Pitt, but then he observed they sent in no interpreter with 
them. Do consider these things and either reinforce Fort Pitt, or send an 
army against Detroit and Niagara. Give my love to Nelson, tell him that 
I have not time to write another line, being beset with the Governor's busi- 
ness, who is still unable to attend to it. John Page. 

P. S. I am highly pleased with your declaration. God preserve the 
United States. We know the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the 
strong. Do you not think an angel rides in the whirlwind and directs this 
storm. * * * 



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